The Centre has given a major approval to rail projects worth Rs 24,634 crore, with 894 km of new lines to be laid across 18 districts
This morning, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved four significant projects for Indian Railways.
These projects will establish a total of 894 kilometers of new rail lines in 18 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.
Expansion and improvement of rail service
These projects will increase rail capacity, boosting both freight and passenger services. Tier lines and fourth lines will be laid, particularly in industrial areas such as Wardha-Bhusaval, Gondia-Dongargarh, Vadodara-Ratlam, and Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina.
Economic and environmental benefits
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that these projects will save about 28 crore liters of diesel every year, as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 139 crore kilograms, which is equivalent to about 6 crore trees.
Impact on local development
The projects will benefit approximately 3,600 villages and 8.5 million residents. Aspirational districts such as Vidisha and Rajnandgaon will be particularly vulnerable to economic development.
Employment opportunities
The Railway Minister stated that the new rail lines will create thousands of employment opportunities. Transportation of materials such as coal, cement, steel, and grain will become easier and cheaper. The capacity of India's railway network will also be significantly improved.
These projects are part of the Prime Minister's Gati Shakti Yojana, which is strengthening the country's multi-modal transport network. The railway sector has seen significant investment over the past few years, improving both the number and quality of trains.